Santos Ortega (June 30, 1899 – April 10, 1976) was an American actor and comedian. He played Will Hughes in As the World Turns, taking over from Will Lee (who only played one episode). Ortega continued in the role until his death in 1976.
Early life
Ortega was born in New York City, New York on June 30, 1899.
Career
He began his career in the theater in "an extravaganza at the old Hippodrome Theater. Later, he went on tour with a singing group, returning to New York City to appear on the Broadway stage including roles in Jeb and Marilyn's Affairs.
Radio
Ortega was active in radio, starring in The Adventures of Nero Wolfe (1943–1944) and narrating Gangbusters, as well as Stroke of Fate. Perhaps his most famous and notable radio role was Commissioner Weston on The Shadow. He played the title role in Bulldog Drummond (1942–43) and was heard in the daytime radio serial Perry Mason, 1948's Roger Kilgore, Public Defender, and as the title character in The Adventures of Charlie Chan (1947–1948), The Affairs of Peter Salemfrom 1949 to 1953, and Hannibal Cobb (1950–1951). Throughout the 1930s and 1940s and into the 1950s and early 1960s, the prolific Ortega lent his remarkable range of voice characterizations to numerous other radio drama series such as Inner Sanctum, The Mysterious Traveler, Suspense, Casey Crime Photographer, The Eternal Light, The Columbia Workshop, The Big Story, Perry Mason, You Are There, Dimension X, and X Minus One. Ortega also originated the radio role of Inspector Queen on The Adventures of Ellery Queen
Television
On television, he played Will Hughes (usually just referred to as "Grandpa") on As the World Turns, replacing Will Lee in the role on the show's second episode (1956). He continued in the role until shortly before his death in 1976.
Source: Wikipedia